Henry Alcantara: Bong Revilla Received Kickbacks
HENRY ALCANTARA – The former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) district engineer has linked former Senator Bong Revilla to a massive flood control scam, accusing him of receiving kickbacks from a ₱300-million budget insertion. The allegation was revealed during a Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing on September 23, which is investigating widespread anomalies in flood control projects across the country.
According to Alcantara, he never personally spoke with Revilla but learned about the supposed kickbacks from former DPWH Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo. Bernardo allegedly informed him that the budget insertion was intended for Revilla, who was preparing to run for senator in the 2025 elections. Alcantara stated that Bernardo oversaw the distribution of the funds, making him a key figure in the scheme.
Alcantara further revealed that Revilla was not the only politician involved. He also implicated Senators Jinggoy Estrada and Joel Villanueva, along with Representatives Zaldy Co and Mitch Cajayon. Among them, Rep. Zaldy Co was alleged to have benefited the most. Alcantara claimed that Co secured ₱35.24 billion worth of project insertions since 2022. A now-viral photo showing stacks of cash in Alcantara’s office was reportedly Co’s 20% “cut” from these projects.
Regarding Senator Villanueva, Alcantara said he handed over ₱600 million in supposed “assistance” to the senator’s staff. However, he clarified that Villanueva may not have known the money came from flood control funds, as the senator’s request was for multipurpose buildings in his district. Alcantara explained that he delivered the money to Villanueva’s team in Bocaue, presenting it as a personal contribution.
Alcantara also mentioned Senator Jinggoy Estrada but emphasized that he never had direct communication with him. Estrada’s name, he said, merely surfaced as part of the broader scheme.
These allegations have intensified public concern over government “pork barrel” practices, where billions of pesos in public funds are allegedly funneled to politicians through padded infrastructure budgets. Alcantara’s detailed testimony—naming officials, amounts, and locations—paints a troubling picture of systemic corruption within the DPWH and Congress.